Jay is a Springfield native. He graduated from Rochester High School and attended Community College of the Air Force. He is a member of Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

Other memberships include Life Member of Land of Lincoln Purebred Livestock Breeder’s Association, Current Vice President of the Illinois Horse and Pony Breeder’s and Exhibitors Association, United Professional Horseman’s Association, United States Equestrian Federation, American Saddlebred Horse Association, American Saddlebred Museum and International Saddlebred Hall of Fame. Jay is a U.S. Air Force Veteran and works for St. John’s Hospital. He is also the owner of Brown’s Clipper Service.

Jay joined the Staab Family team in 1991.